Since launching in 2019, the Australian Musical Theatre Festival has grown into a national hub for musical theatre and this year Artistic Director Tyran Parke has unveiled an expanded community engagement program for 2026, reinforcing the Festival’s role not only as a showcase for leading artists but as a place where new talent is discovered, nurtured and celebrated.
The range of opportunities announced are designed to welcome performers of all ages and experience levels — from first-time singers to professionals — creating pathways to learn, perform and collaborate with some of the industry’s most respected creatives.
Parke:
At its heart, this festival is about access Here in Launceston, anyone can walk into the room, learn from the best and potentially find themselves sharing the stage with extraordinary artists.
Across the five-day Festival, participants can take part in masterclasses, industry panels, community singing events and performance opportunities. Highlights include The Diva Denwith internationally acclaimed composer and musical director Carmel Dean, a gospel choir experience and workshops exploring the craft of musical theatre writing and performance.
The festival has already proven to be a talent pipeline. Many young performers have been discovered through the festival and are now furthering their training at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) and other national institutions of prestige. Amongst the success stories,Chelsea Dean, was discovered through the Festival’s community programming and later cast as Nessarose in Wicked after being spotted by a casting director during a Festival performance.
The centrepiece of the 2026 program will be a production of The Frogs by Stephen Sondheim, Burt Shevelove and Nathan Lane, which combines community players with industry-leading practitioners. Participants will rehearse over four days before presenting a one-night-only performance directed by Parke (Chess), with Peter Rutherford (Matilda) as Musical Director and Dana Jolly (Curtains) as Choreographer and featuring a cast of leading music theatre stars including Nadine Garner (Cabaret), John O’Hara (Jesus Christ Superstar) andAbu Kebe (Tina).
This opportunity is perfect for community groups, individuals or schools.
Auditions are open now via the Festival website, with submissions closing 30 March.
With more than 40 events across five days, the Australian Musical Theatre Festival continues to position Launceston as a national hub for musical theatre.
Few regional events combine national artistic credibility with genuine talent development in the way the Australian Musical Theatre Festival does.
For more information click HERE
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